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It's been a crazy, busy, wet, and now hot summer. I can't believe
it's almost "fair week" and  school
is about to start. We're in the process of putting the finishing
touches on our class schedules for the fall semester and learning how
to use new technology such as Smart Boards and Flip video cameras to
engage students even better than before.
This edition of Vermont Adult Learning's e-newsletter contains both
highlights from the summer - graduation and participation in the
Quadricentennial festivities as well as how to refer students to us and
the latest GED testing schedule.
As we gear up for September, I'm reminded that our past mind set has
been to emphasize the many different programs, locations, and course
schedules that we offer. We're moving away from thinking about
our services as silo, stand alone programs. Instead, we want to
emphasize to potential students, parents, high schools, referral
agencies, and the community as a whole that to achieve a personal goal
requires assessment, information, and a plan. And, that's the
first step every person coming into VAL goes through - figuring out
their skill set, understanding their choices and the commitment needed,
and then developing a realistic plan in order to complete their
goal.
Goals are the same - basic skills including the computer, a high school
credential, work skills, college prep, and learning English. But
how we get there is slightly different. It's all about a good
fit. Think of it like a circle - you can't have fit without
assessment and assessment leads to good information and all this
combined leads to a realistic goal because you have a starting and an
end point. Good information gets you there - skill set, program
choices, class schedules, locations, etc.
So now when someone arrives at VAL, they go through an assessment
process to determine their skill set and are assigned an educational
advisor to guide decisions and keep students on track. It's a
win-win for everyone! The student, ed advisor, and agency all
accomplish their goal. What could be better?
Check us out on Facebook and become a fan.
 
Cindy Mills
Regional Manager, Chittenden County
Vermont Adult Learning
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OUR PROCESS
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Every student who comes through our doors is
oriented to our services through an orientation session. We
assess their skills in the areas of reading, writing and math so they
have a clear understanding of where they are and where they need to
go. Students are then assigned to an Educational Adviser who
will help them set goals and create a clear educational
path.
Our process is structured, and the emphasis is on
student support and outcomes.
For the GED, Adult Diploma Program and High School
Completion Program call (802) 846-7245 to
schedule the first appointment.
For ESOL classes please call Sabine Eaton (802)
846-7245 x103.
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GRADUATION 2009
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 Graduation in Chittenden County
(click on picture to view a photoshow)
On June 11th at 6pm, the graduates of Vermont Adult
Learning followed the sounds of bag piper Chris McClain as they marched
down the aisle of the Elley-Long Music Center in Colchester.
Almost 300 family members and friends were present to celebrate their achievements
and watched as they received their high school diploma or GED.
Some students received their certificate of
completion in the English Language Program, "Serve Safe"
Culinary Skills Training Program or Personal Care Attendant
Program. A former student, Kaye Carter, was the keynote speaker
and her story was featured in both the Colchester Sun and Essex
Reporter. Last years' keynote student speaker, Sergio
Torres, provided the musical entertainment. Refreshments were
served; the Puzzle Project was viewed; and photos were
snapped. A memorable evening indeed!
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Volunteer Appreciation
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by Maureen Cooney-Moore
VAL Volunteer Co-ordinator
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 This April and May, fifteen volunteers were recognized,
thanked and celebrated at seven different locations in Chittenden
County. It is apparent that these amazing individuals are
establishing relationships with their students that are changing lives
in both directions. Whether a student is learning how to read, to
speak English more fluently, to write an essay, or attending their
first performance at the Flynn, the camaraderie, respect and admiration
is mutual.
Volunteers play such an important role in making our communities a
better place. Their daily contributions of time, energy and
talent are greatly appreciated and make a tremendous impact in our
student's lives. Thank you, volunteers!
Click here to view
photos taken at various sites: Sara Holbrook Community
Center, Colchester Learning Center, King Street Youth Center, VNA
Family Room, Sloane Hall, Fletcher Allen Hospital, and the Sisters of
Mercy Regional Community House.
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Puzzle Project
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 ARTfitsVERMONT
A STATEWIDE COMMUNITY ARTS PROJECT
THAT'S GREATER THAN THE SUM
OF ITS PARTS
by Gail Babinger &
Martha Colyer,VAL Volunteers
(click on photo to view a slideshow)
Vermont Adult Learning chose to participate in the
Puzzle Palooza Project as a way to become involved in the Lake
Champlain Quadricentennial Celebration and to bring us together as a
community. The celebration took place from July 2 - July 14 to
commemorate the visit by Samuel de Champlain in 1609 to his namesake,
Lake Champlain.
The project began in July 2008 when
students and staff at the Hegeman Avenue site began to work on their
puzzle pieces. In January, the students in Louis Giancola's ESOL
program at Sloane Hall joined the project. Students wrote about
their artwork which gave them a chance to express themselves in words
as well as art. The Adult Diploma Program and family members of Vermont
Adult Learning also made puzzle pieces. A variety of artistic
mediums were used to communicate what was meaningful to each
participant and showcase their artistic talent.
The puzzle pieces were displayed at the
Vermont Adult Learning graduation in June 2009, and some of the puzzle
pieces were part of the finale of the Puzzle Palooza Project at Battery
Park on July 11, 2009. There were more than 1600 puzzle pieces on
display for the official 2 o'clock Guinness World Record
count...helping Vermont set a new World Record for the World's Largest
Jigsaw puzzle measuring in with an area of 2,603 square feet!
The response to the project by those who
participated was overwhelmingly positive. Everyone enjoyed
the freedom to create and work with others to foster a greater awareness
of our community within Vermont Adult Learning and Vermont.
Thank you to all who made the project possible from the
students, staff, families and friends who were excited by the prospect
of creating a puzzle piece, and for those who did not do a puzzle piece
but supported us with their enthusiasm for the project. Thank
you, Vermont Adult Learning for the financial support which helped make
this project a success!
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GED Schedule
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August, 2009
DOL: Tues. Aug. 04/09
Saturday at
VAL: Aug. 15/09
VAL: Mon., Aug. 24/09
Saturday at VAL: Sep.
19/09
Saturday at VAL: Oct.
17/09
DOL:
8:30a.m. - 3:30p.m.
Saturday
at VAL: 8:30a.m. - 4p.m.
Mon. at
VAL: 3p.m. - 8p.m.
*TEST
FEES ARE CHANGING TO $15 PER TEST ON SEPT. 01/09*
Students should
call (802) 846-7245 to pre-register.
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"Serve Safe" Graduates
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Personal Care Attendant Graduates
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VAL
Graduates 2009
HSC, ADP and GED Graduates
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